What’s a “sleeper pick”? Well, I’m sure every scout and organization across the sporting world have their own definition for that one. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at potential “sleeper picks” from Atlantic Canada. Rankings are rankings, it’s what a player puts into their game and all of the sacrifices after their name is called at the draft that matters most. As for the sleeper picks, it’s all about the quiet talent or the talent that “whispers.” All some players need is an opportunity to take off and prove all the critics wrong.
“Sleeper picks” make those that really know a player (their skill, character and the intangibles they possess) look like geniuses. There are a ton of examples of players from this neck of the woods who have been drafted in the later rounds that have excelled at the QMJHL level and beyond. This year will be no different. Every organization hopes every prospect they select hits, but in all reality that doesn’t always happen. It’s the “sleeper picks” that no one is willing to take a chance that pays dividends in the long run for any organization.
In many ways “sleeper picks” surprise the hell out of people, but those that do their homework know how to project and know what type of impact a “sleeper” can have when given the right opportunity will ultimately hit a homerun on draft day.
There are so many young aspiring players out there with quiet talent. Their talents might be buried in the undercurrent of their team or within themselves. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean their talent isn’t there. You see my interpretation of quiet talent is that type of skill and talent takes times to grow, time to develop, time to surface. You can call it late bloomer if you wish, but quiet talent takes on a lot of different perspectives. Perhaps the hockey world doesn’t appreciate or truly valued quiet talent.
Obviously, quiet talent hides within players that might not be the flashiest. The quiet aspects of their skill set and the intangibles they possess takes some time to see, evaluate and project, it doesn’t mean it isn’t there.
Quiet talent might be the honest, two-way players, the stay at home defenders or hard nose competitors, the grinders, that’s who the quiet talented players are.
Scouts often share stories of the first time seeing or viewing certain players. Everyone has one of those stories, “oh I saw this or that player when they played here.”
Well, when it comes to quiet talent, the talented player might have been in front of you all along. Quiet talent is often missed, because all of the focus is directed towards the highflyers. Every scout and organization are looking for the diamonds in the rough, but moreover they are looking for the sure thing.
The sure things doesn’t always materialize. The later round draft picks often surprise the most and make the largest impact on and off the ice, but it shouldn’t be a surprise if you have done your work and identified the quiet talents these players possess.
It’s not about taking a flyer in the later rounds of the draft, it’s about the quiet talent. It’s all about time. Time for growth and development because when its time for the opportunity, quiet talent is more than ready to jump at the chance to show they belong. The adversity quiet talent face on a day to day, year to year basis has a way of galvanizing their character and resiliency.
As scouts we have to drill down, always look closer and project no matter what. It doesn’t matter where the player is playing now or where they played last year, what matters the most is where they are going to be when it’s time, their time and the organizations time. Quiet talent takes time, but when its time, look out because they will be more than ready and willing to contribute.
Here’s to all the quiet talented players and potential “sleeper picks” out there, your time to shine will come soon enough!
Here’s one of my sleeper picks from last year and did this kid ever deliver the goods this season. Justin Hanscomb led the NB/PEI U18 AAA League in scoring this season and was selected by the Charlottetown Islanders last year in the 9th round 161st overall. Hanscomb is the perfect example of quiet talent and sometimes all quiet talent needs is time and an opportunity.
Here’s my scouting report from last year on Justin,
Justin Hanscomb: This kid screams sleeper pick because he’s just an honest player that does everything the right way, you don’t have to watch this kid for too long to realize that, he’s not flash or dash and who cares he doesn’t have to be, he just plays the game and position the right way, Sure will have to get quicker and stronger of course, but that’s what also makes him a great sleeper pick
One potential sleeper pick from this year’s draft class is 2009 born Calvin Carver from Steel Subaru U18’s. Here’s a player that is really coming into his own and it was surprising to see him ranked as a “E” Eligible Player by the way he plays. Again, building out a draft list is incredibly difficult especially when you’re ranking out hundreds and hundreds of players. It’s important to remember that teams have their own lists and targets when it comes to draft day.
Here’s my quick analysis/report on Carver.
Calvin Carver hard working two way gritty winger who skates well, would like to see him slightly more composed with the puck and trust his skill set a touch more, love his compete level and the energy he brings to every shift, Here’s a perfect example of a player that probably shouldn’t be Ranked as a E, but I’ll tell you the team that drafts this kid will like what he brings, good puck skills and wicked speed to the outside, it’s all about continuing to get to the middle at the next level with the same urgency, this kid can play and is skilled enough to play up and down the lineup.
Calvin Carver isn’t the only sleeper pick out there in this year’s draft and it’s incredibly important to remember that we all see it differently. Best of luck to all the draft eligible players!
Keep it locked right here for more 2026 QMJHL Draft news coming you way!
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